The US Department of Justice ordered the sale of a substantial amount of Bitcoin seized from the Silk Road marketplace, sparking discussions among investors.
The Sale and Its Impact
According to Arkham Intelligence, the balance of the US government's cryptocurrency wallet dropped to zero from $6.7 billion on January 8. This sell-off occurred just 10 days before Donald Trump took office. Meanwhile, news reports indicate a delay in the decision to create Bitcoin reserves under the new administration.
Legal Dispute
The Bitcoin sale decision aligns with a federal judge's ruling on December 30, ending a prolonged dispute between Battle Born Investments and the Department of Justice. The investment firm criticized the decision, calling it an example of procedural tactics to avoid a fair hearing of the case.
Crypto Market Reaction
Bitcoin faced selling pressure after failing to surpass the $100,000 mark, dropping to $93,915.9. Analyst ShayanBTC noted a sharp decline in funding rates, indicating reduced demand. Market sentiment remains bearish due to panic selling to minimize losses.
The significant Bitcoin asset sell-off instigates market volatility and raises questions about future US government policies regarding cryptocurrencies.